Jaywalking

:For The Tonight Show skit, see Jaywalking (The Tonight Show).

Legality

When used in the literal sense, jaywalking specifically refers to violation of pedestrian traffic regulations, and is therefore illegal wherever those regulations are enforced by law.

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In many countries, such regulations do not exist, and jaywalking is an unknown concept. In the United Kingdom, the practice of crossing roads wherever convenient is both commonplace and legal, and children are taught to cross roads safely through the Green Cross Code in schools.

Related Topics:
United Kingdom - Green Cross Code

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Almost all areas in the United States and Canada require pedestrians to cross at crosswalks and to obey pedestrian traffic signals; jaywalking is considered an infraction. It typically carries a warning or modest fine. In some areas, although still illegal, jaywalking is so common that it is generally considered harmless, and police only detain jaywalkers if it is done dangerously or disruptively.

Related Topics:
United States - Canada - Infraction

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Penalties for jaywalking vary by municipality. For example, in Tempe, AZ, jaywalking carries fines up to $64.00. A sampling of other U.S. cities found maximum fines ranging from $57 to $750. In Brisbane, fines of up to $A200 can apply.

Related Topics:
Municipality - Tempe, AZ - Brisbane

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In Singapore, known for its many rules and stiff fines, first offenders face a fine of S$500 (US$285) and even three months of jail. Repeat offenders can be fined for up to $2000 fine or six months in jail.

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In the movie Harold and Kumar go to White Castle (2004), the two main characters were fined $220 after trying to illegally cross an intersection despite there being no cars in sight. This leads to them going to jail following their protests.

Related Topics:
Harold and Kumar go to White Castle - 2004

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